Smoke Signals wins three Indigenous Journalists Association awards

By Danielle Harrison

Smoke Signals editor

Smoke Signals has won three awards for journalism excellence in the 2026 Indigenous Media Awards given out by the Indigenous Journalists Association.

This year, IJA received 760 entries from media organizations across the globe.

Smoke Signals is in the category of small outlets, which includes newsrooms with fewer than 10 staff members.

Award winners will be recognized at the IJA Indigenous Media Awards Banquet Friday, July 24, as part of the 2026 Indigenous Media Conference at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront.

“As a longtime Editorial Board member, I continue to be impressed with the quality journalism that Smoke Signals produces, not only in a print and online format, but also by reaching new Tribal audiences with news via social media, livestreams, videos and podcasts,” Grand Ronde Editorial Board Chair Mia Prickett said. “I couldn’t be prouder of our independent free press and the work they’re doing to bring timely information to our people.”

Tribal member and Social Media/Digital Journalist Kamiah Koch won two awards in the professional division category for radio/podcast.

This included a third-place award for Excellence in Beat Reporting for her video, “Tribe holds first Toxics Take Back event” and a second-place award for Best Spot News for her video, “Nature playground opens on Grand Ronde Reservation.”

Tribal member and Smoke Signals Production Specialist Justin Phillips won a second-place award in the professional division category for Best Layout for print/online publications.

The awards, for work published in 2025, were announced Thursday, July 9.

Smoke Signals has now won 142 state and national journalism awards since 2007.